Karazin University Honorary Doctor Serhiy Zhadan Awarded the Austrian State Prize for European Literature

Writer, translator, public figure, honorary doctor of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, and serviceman Serhiy Zhadan has become the laureate of the prestigious Austrian State Prize for European Literature for 2025, as reported by Suspilne.Kultura on July 2 (link).

The award, established in 1965, is presented by Austria’s Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMKÖS) to European authors whose work has gained international acclaim and has been translated into German.

In his official statement, Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Arts and Culture Andreas Babler noted:
“Serhiy Zhadan is one of the most insightful writers in contemporary European literature and has become the literary voice of Ukrainians. I extend my deepest respect to the author and poet, the person Serhiy Zhadan, with whom I feel a strong sense of solidarity. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations!”

The award ceremony took place on July 25, 2025, during the Salzburg Festival.

The Karazin University community sincerely congratulates Serhiy Zhadan on this distinguished recognition. His literary and civic activity is an intellectual driving force that strengthens the presence of Ukrainian culture in the European cultural space.